I'm trying to create a artwork with the elements but all my research shows that air and water switch fron the right point to the left point on the star. Why is that and is there a correct way to place the elements on the star?
Traditionally the five points of the pentagram represent the four earthly elements and the element of spirit. Spirit is placed at the top as it flows with the crown chakra and the connection to what is above. It is represented by a circle or a circle with a quarter cross, or a circle with a wheel. Earth and Fire are the bottom two points with Earth being on the left while Fire is on the right. These two elements are strong opposing forces as earth can put out a fire while creating much of what fire consumes. Fire once cooled or burnt out can be beneficial to the soil depending on the ash. Wood ash is excellent for the soil as it adds potassium and calcium and people often include wood ash during cultivation. Certain fire even becomes earth as it cools, like lava and the different rocks that form such as obsidian, garnet, corundum (ruby and sapphire), and lava rock.The two points going out from either side are Air and Water with air on the left above Earth and Water on the right above Fire. The symbols for these elements are equilateral triangles in opposite directions with or without a line running through them. Earth is the point down equilateral triangle with a line while Air is the point up equilateral triangle with a line. Fire is the point up equilateral triangle and Water is the point down equilateral triangle. Each element can be an opposing force to all of the others while still relying on each of the others for existence and balance. In the circle of life I don't think it really matters which way you label the points so long as each are represented. The idea of having them correspond to directions makes it easier to work with other practitioners. If water is always the point on the right side then a consistence occurs and everyone is on the same page.
